In September, Arezzo changes its pace. The flags of the Quartieri return to colour the historic centre, Piazza Grande gets ready for the challenge, and for a few days the city comes alive with one of its most deeply felt traditions.
On Sunday, 6 September 2026, the Giostra del Saracino returns, this year for its 150th edition. A perfect reason to plan a weekend in Tuscany and discover not only Arezzo, but also the Valdarno and the places that surround it. The Giostra will begin at 5:00 pm, while the traditional Prova Generale is scheduled for Friday, 4 September.
Giostra del Saracino 2026: experiencing Arezzo during one of the most authentic times of the year
The Giostra del Saracino is not just the challenge that brings Piazza Grande to life. In the days leading up to the event, Arezzo fills with the colours of the four Quartieri, processions, rehearsals by the jousters and a sense of anticipation that involves the entire city.
The week leading up to the Giostra is also marked by the events of the so-called Settimana del Quartierista, with dinners, evening events and celebrations involving all four Quartieri and ending with the traditional dinner on the eve of the Giostra.
It is probably one of the most beautiful times of the year to discover the city.
On the day of the Giostra, the historic centre comes alive from the early hours of the morning, and the procession passes through some of the city's most iconic places before entering Piazza Grande.
If you have decided to spend the weekend here, our advice is not to come only for the competition: take some time to enjoy Arezzo too and leave room for curiosity.
What to see in Arezzo during the Giostra del Saracino weekend
If it is your first time in Arezzo, we recommend starting right from Piazza Grande, the heart of the Giostra and one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, with the Logge designed by Giorgio Vasari and the medieval buildings that follow its distinctive slope.
From here, we recommend heading to Piazza San Francesco and stopping at the Basilica of San Francesco. Inside, you can admire Piero della Francesca's Legend of the True Cross, one of the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.
Then let Corso Italia guide you towards the upper part of the city. The route leads to the Cathedral and the Medici Fortress, where it is worth stopping even just for the view: from the walls, the landscape stretches beyond Arezzo towards the Arno Valley and Pratomagno.
During the days of the Giostra, however, part of the charm lies precisely between one stop and the next: flags hanging from windows, the colours of the Quartieri, lively alleyways and a city that seems to reveal even more of its character.
A weekend between Arezzo and the Valdarno: what to do nearby
The Giostra may be the reason that brings you to Arezzo. The following day, however, the scenery can change completely.
You could set off to discover a quieter side of Tuscany, made up of small villages, nature and routes to explore on foot or by bicycle.
The Balze del Valdarno, Pratomagno and the Camminodei Setteponti are just some of the ideas for extending your stay and getting to know this part of Tuscany better.
By staying at the Boutique Hotel Fox's Inn, you can choose something different every day, moving from the city to nature without turning your trip into a race from one stop to the next.
Where to stay near Arezzo for the Giostra del Saracino
Choosing a hotel near Arezzo allows you to enjoy the Giostra del Saracino and the historic centre during the day, before returning in the evening to a quieter and more relaxing setting.
About 20 minutes from the city, in the heart of the Valdarno Aretino, Hotel Fox's Inn is an ideal choice for those looking for something more than just a place to sleep.
Our boutique hotel offers 15 rooms, each inspired by a Tuscan village, with carefully designed interiors full of character. Completing the experience are the bar and the osteria, where you can enjoy the flavours of Tuscan tradition in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Location is one of the strengths of Fox's Inn: as well as Arezzo, it makes it easy to set off and discover Florence, Siena and the Valdarno, while also alternating visits to art cities with slower days among villages, trekking, cycling routes, the Balze del Valdarno and Pratomagno.
In this way, the Giostra del Saracino can become the starting point for a longer stay combining cities, nature and the local area.
Are you coming to Arezzo for the Giostra del Saracino 2026? Contact us to check room availability and organise your stay at Fox's Inn.
